This Moody, Dark-Academia-Inspired Wedding Took Over The LA Natural History Museum

Maria + Randy’s Dark-Academia-inspired wedding at The Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County was just as quirky and romantic as they are. 

They couple met at a wig party (don’t worry, silly wigs made an appearance during the reception) and decided to channel their mutual love of dinosaurs into an unforgettable Night At the Museum-style celebration complete with a ceremony in the African Mammal Hall and a T-Rex wandering among the guests during cocktail hour. To add to the moodiness, the whole thing took place on the night before Halloween—Maria + Randy’s favorite holiday.

Planners from Moonbeam Weddings collaborated with Maria + Randy to create this off-beat, bewitching evening. Together they tied in every eccentric element with stylistic nods to art deco decor and autumnal color families. The result was a fun, fascinating, and deeply personal wedding full of love and laughter and captured beautifully in every stunning photo that photographer Ren from Glass Darkly took.

This beautiful art deco invitation suite is the work of Elated Paper Co. and we can’t get over how perfect it looks with Maria + Randy’s custom celestial vow booklets (check these out if you’re digging the idea).

Also, don’t miss the evil eye ornament, custom guitar pick, and Japanese Daruma doll that were all wedding favors for Maria + Randy’s guests. These super-personal gifts were nods to Maria’s Greek heritage, Randy’s musical talents, and time Maria spent living in Japan.

Maria’s ethereal gown was a major 🌟star🌟 of the evening, tying in astral elements that resonate with the couple. Maria “took the gamble” of ordering a dress online, and we’re SO glad she did. She looks absolutely stunning in the Estelle gown from Wardrobe by Dulcinea on Etsy.

Every wedding dress has an alterations journey. Maria trusted Eenoli Bridal Alterations with her gown. “They made the dress fit like a glove and also took some of the extra star-spangled tulle and created my gorgeous cathedral-length veil.”

Maria’s subtly sparkly makeup look is by Angeleno Beauty.

Maria’s Loeffler Randall Camilla Pleated Bow Heels are the perfect shimmery wedding shoe. (One of our faves, too!)

We’re loving Randy’s rich burgundy wedding suit. Check out this similar look from Indochino.

The First Look

That pop of orange from the orchid in Randy’s boutonniere!

Stars in their eyes 🤩

The Ceremony

We cannot get enough of these precious flower girls!! Their starry dresses are cleverly coordinated with Maria’s gown!! And the fall foliage floral crowns are the perfect autumnal touch.

Take a look at some of our other favorite flower girl looks!

Our Musical Choices
			
Processional: "City of Stars" from La La Land (Instrumental)
			
			
Recessional: "Frolic" by Luciano Michelini (Curb Your Enthusiasm theme song)
			
			
First Dance: "Keep on Loving You" by Cigarettes After Sex
			
		

Herb + Ritual created the moody fall-inspired florals for Maria + Randy’s wedding. Like this beautiful bouquet that incorporated everything from roses to ferns to mushrooms!!

The Reception

Bader Collective made this custom chalkboard seating chart to play into the Dark Academia classroom feel of the evening.

We didn’t know a wedding reception centerpiece could make you want to curl up in a leather armchair with a dusty book in a spooky old library. The Dark Academia, autumn, and art deco design elements of the wedding are all put to perfect use in these centerpiece setups.

Furniture details from Archive Rentals like the worn wooden table and plush red sofa and linens from BBJ La Tavola make for a warm and inviting sweetheart table.

This goldleaf-gilded wedding cake is by Baked Vegan Sweets.

Our Advice To Those Planning Now
From Maria: "My biggest word of advice for anyone setting sail on their wedding journey is to hire a planner, and one who truly understands your vision. Savannah of Moonbeam Weddings was my wedding guide and sage who embraced all the quirky particulars of mine and Randy’s relationship and translated it into the indelible, joyous occasion of our wedding day. Having her forge ahead with all the logistical, organizational matters freed up time for me to meditate on the fun, smaller details. Though my temperament really doesn’t lend itself to any potential bridezilla moments, I know that any inner monster that could come out, was diffused by having a true professional take over what would have been such an overwhelming undertaking. Ultimately, the day of, we left the roaring and marauding to our friend Hunter, the Natural History Museum’s baby T. Rex."

Our Favorite Memory From The Wedding
From Maria: "It’s so hard to choose a most memorable moment. Hearing Randy’s vows meant so much to me, but also our first dance sticks out. We’re all left feet, which has its charm, but getting to have our first intimate conversation as a married couple set to the backdrop of one of our favorite songs (Cigarettes After Sex’s cover of “Keep on Loving You”) was incredible. At the same time, what can actually top having a dinosaur at your wedding?! And your husband and his old band mates getting together for an impromptu song from their long retired Rob Zombie cover band? The old groupie in me was delirious with excitement." 

Congratulations, Maria + Randy!! Your Night At the Museum was a night to remember!! All the best from GWS!